Gene Gray
Gene Gray
Glen “Gene” Gray, 83, of Fort Worth, passed away peacefully at home on April 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, proud grandfather, respected banker, and philanthropist, Gene lived a life marked by generosity, integrity, and unwavering dedication to those he loved.
Born on February 15, 1943, in Fort Worth, Texas, he was the son of the late Wilbur and Avalon Gray. Gene grew up with a strong work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility, qualities that were instilled in him at the young age of 13 following the death of his father.
A natural athlete, Gene excelled at Albany High School, where he played football, basketball, golf, and ran track. His talent and dedication on the field earned him a football scholarship to Rice University. It was during his college years that he married the love of his life, Marsha Buerger, in 1963. After graduating from Rice with a Bachelor of Commerce, Gene and Marsha moved to Fort Worth in 1965 to begin their life together.
Gene began his distinguished 48-year career in banking at Fort Worth National Bank, which later became Texas American Bank (TAB). He served as President from 1983 to 1989. After leaving TAB, Gene became President of Bank of Commerce, which was later acquired by Frost Bank. He finished his career as Executive Vice President and Senior Risk Manager for Frost Bank’s North Texas Region, retiring in 2013. Committed to continuous growth, Gene was also a graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU, the Commercial Banking Program at Columbia University, and the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
Gene possessed a keen business sense and firmly believed that banking was not just about numbers, but about people and building lasting relationships. In 2007, he was named “Banker of the Year” by the Tarrant County Banker’s Association. At the ceremony, a fellow banker beautifully described him: “Gene is honest, consistent, reliable. Gene is a real banker; he is a trusted adviser and confidant. He simply connects with people.”
Deeply active in his community, Gene lent his leadership and heart to numerous charitable and faith-based organizations. He served as Chairman of the Board of All Saints Hospital, on the Board of the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show, as a Board Member and Director of the Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County, and served as the Director of the Cotton Bowl. He was also a dedicated leader in Bible Study Fellowship and served as an Elder and Sunday School leader at McKinney Memorial Bible Church (now Doxology).
While his career and philanthropic endeavors were extensive, the true center of his world was his family. He shared 63 beautiful years with Marsha, his steadfast partner in every chapter of life. Together, they raised their daughter, Gina Gray McPhail. His two grandchildren were the absolute lights of his life, and he never missed a chance to attend their games, recitals, plays, or school events. Gene shared and passed on his love of books to his grandchildren, and as they grew into adults, he cherished talking history, debating politics, and passing on his wisdom, trademark sarcasm, and love of laughter. In his younger years, he was an avid golfer and hunter, but once his grandchildren were born, spending precious time with them became his favorite hobby.
Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Marsha; his daughter, Gina; his cherished grandchildren, Geoffrey Gray McPhail (and his wife, Ariah) and Gillian Marie McPhail; Enola Tullis, his sister-in-law, who was a true godsend during his end-of-life care; and numerous family members and close friends who will deeply miss his love, guidance, and humor.
Gene was preceded in death by his beloved infant son, Jeffery Lynn (Gina’s twin brother), whose memory he carried tenderly throughout his life.
A celebration of Gene’s life will be held on June 20, 2026, at Doxology Bible Church, 4805 Arborlawn Drive, Fort Worth, beginning at 11:00 a.m. A reception to follow immediately after at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Gene’s memory to any of the following organizations that were close to his heart: Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County (UGM-TC); Cook Children’s Health Foundation (directed to the Family Engagement Department); Trinity Habitat for Humanity; or Doxology Bible Church.
